Should Chess become an academic subject?

OP

Chess is an academic subject in several countries already and in UK parliament debated whether to include chess in the curriculum. As chess is the only mental sport which has a world Federation like Fifa and evey single country in the world has a chess federation with olympic teams. As chess is touchstone of intellect requiring high level analytical and critical thinking skills, it can play a tremendous role in improving the minds of the young people, Evey city and borough in UK has also an official chess club and the English Chess Federation is very active. Therefore, it is only the final step that the government needs to take to include chess in the curriculum, MPs have been debated over chess enough, it is now time to pass the law.

Reply 4

Original post by Kevin70

it is now time to pass the law.

Why?

Reply 5

OP

Chess is an academic subject in several countries already and in UK parliament debated whether to include chess in the curriculum. As chess is the only mental sport which has a world Federation like Fifa and evey single country in the world has a chess federation with olympic teams. As chess is touchstone of intellect requiring high level analytical and critical thinking skills, it can play a tremendous role in improving the minds of the young people, Evey city and borough in UK has also an official chess club and the English Chess Federation is very active. Therefore, it is only the final step that the government needs to take to include chess in the curriculum, MPs have been debated over chess enough, it is now time to pass the law.

Reply 6

OP

For reasons mentioned above.

Reply 7

FrankoJJameson

I think there are many benefits to chess and understand your point, the nature of a market orientated HE system in Britain mean it’s definitely possible that a programme will be founded presumably in an ancient university at some point. From a Scottish perspective,universities are under increasing pressure to rationalise programmes to deliver on national objectives (STEM, Social Business, Data Science) which I suspect would attract more students.

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 8

chazwomaq

18

Original post by Kevin70

it can play a tremendous role in improving the minds of the young people

This is probably not true. Certainly no convincing evidence yet:

https://theconversation.com/does-playing-chess-make-you-smarter-a-look-at-the-evidence-76062

So making it law is far too heavy handed. It is fun, may teach skills like patience, concentration, self-improvement etc. But so do many hobbies. It's a great hobby for sure, and I would be happy to schools to encourage it, but it should not be part of the national curriculum.

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 9

OP

As many of UK universities professors are also good chess players, most notable John Nunn, there will be some academic support for justifying chess. The world chess federation, Fide, and English and Scottish Chess Federations are also supportive of the move along with several cabinet ministers.

Reply 10

Original post by Kevin70

For reasons mentioned above.

Those aren't reasons.

"Because others do" isn't a reason.

Stop being spammy and actually answer questions

Reply 11

OP

For the information of public. These are the rock solid reasons for taking up chess:
1. It improves memory
2. It improves critical thinking
3. It improves problem-solving skills
4. It improves creativity
5. It grows the denderites
6. It improves concentration
7. It improves discipline
8. It improves analytical skills
9. Chess fights against Alzheimer disease
10. It improve reading skill

Due to the above reasons chess has been integrated into the academic curriculum of several advanced countries and it has become the subject of debate in Westminister. Government is already supporting the project Chess for Schools and Communities and George Osborne as a great intellectual has also been very supportive like many mayors across the country but the final step of adding chess to school curriculum needs to be taken.

Reply 12

Original post by Kevin70

For the information of public. These are the rock solid reasons for taking up chess:
1. It improves memory
2. It improves critical thinking
3. It improves problem-solving skills
4. It improves creativity
5. It grows the denderites
6. It improves concentration
7. It improves discipline
8. It improves analytical skills
9. Chess fights against Alzheimer disease
10. It improve reading skill

Prove it.

Or, easier, prove just 3.

Reply 13

Original post by Kevin70

UK parliament debated whether to include chess in the curriculum.

When and by who?

Reply 14

OP

For the information of public. These are the rock solid reasons for taking up chess:
1. It improves memory
2. It improves critical thinking
3. It improves problem-solving skills
4. It improves creativity
5. It grows the denderites
6. It improves concentration
7. It improves discipline
8. It improves analytical skills
9. Chess fights against Alzheimer disease
10. It improve reading skill

Due to the above reasons chess has been integrated into the academic curriculum of several advanced countries and it has become the subject of debate in Westminister. Government is already supporting the project Chess for Schools and Communities and George Osborne as a great intellectual has also been very supportive like many mayors across the country but the final step of adding chess to school curriculum needs to be taken.

Reply 15

OP

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/18/mps-call-chess-redefined-mindsport-made-tax-free/amp/

Reply 16

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/18/mps-call-chess-redefined-mindsport-made-tax-free/amp/

Original post by Kevin70

Please read your sources before you post them.
That article refers exclusively to it being classed as a sport, nothing to do with making it mandatory to teach it in schools.

Reply 17

Stephan0

Original post by Kevin70

Chess is the ultimate intellectual game and the touchstone of our intelligence. Is it high time chess became an academic subject in schools?

seeing as Football and Rugby is a academic subject, i would say yes Chess should be a academic subject in schools

Reply 18

OP

Original post by FrankoJJameson

I think there are many benefits to chess and understand your point, the nature of a market orientated HE system in Britain mean it’s definitely possible that a programme will be founded presumably in an ancient university at some point. From a Scottish perspective,universities are under increasing pressure to rationalise programmes to deliver on national objectives (STEM, Social Business,
Data Science) which I suspect would attract more students.

The budget can come from Recreational Activities provisions.

Reply 19

OP